Yard Machines MTD1640NAVCC General Safety Precautions for Chain SAW Users, More about Kickback

2 - SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

NOTE: These safety precautions are intended primarily for the consumer or occasional user. When using a chain saw for logging purposes, refer to the Code of Federal Regulations, Section 1910.226(5); 2.5.1., of American National Standard Safety Requirements for Pulpwood Logging, ANSI 03.1-1978; and relevant state safety codes. These models are classified according to CAN/ CSA- Z62.1-03 as a Class 1A saw. They are intended for infre- quent use by homeowners, cottagers, and campers, and for such general applications as clearing, pruning, cutting fire- wood, etc. They are not intended for prolonged use. If the intended use involves prolonged periods of operation, this may cause circulatory problems in the user’s hands due to vibration. All models covered in this manual employ an anti- vibration feature for increased comfort and safety.

2-3. GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR CHAIN SAW USERS

1.	Fatigue causes carelessness. Be more cautious
	before rest periods and towards the end of your shift.
2.	Personal protective clothing required by your safety
	organizations, government regulations, or your
	employer should be used. At all times when using a
	chain saw, snug-fitting clothing, protective eye wear,
	safety footwear, and hand, leg, and hearing protection
	should be worn.
3.	Before fuelling, servicing, or transporting your chain
	saw, switch off the engine. To help prevent fire, restart
	your chain saw at least 9.1m (30ft) from the fuelling
	area.
4.	When a chain saw is being used, a fire extinguisher
	should be available.
5.	When felling, keep at least 2 tree lengths away from
	your fellow workers.
6.	Plan your work, ensuring an obstacle-free work area
	and, in the case of felling, at least one escape path
	from the falling tree.
7.	Follow the instructions in your operator’s manual for
	starting the chain saw and control the chain saw with
	a firm grip on both handles when it is in operation.
	Keep handles dry, clean, and free of oil.
8.	When transporting your chain saw, use the appropri-
	ate transportation covers, which should be available
	for the guide bar and saw chain.
9.	Never operate a chain saw that is damaged or improp-
	erly adjusted or that is not completely and securely

chain saw.

13.A chain saw is intended for two-handed use. Serious injury to the operator, helpers, and/or bystanders can result from one-handed operation.

14.See section 2-5, 2-6 for symbol definitions, page 13-14.

15.When carrying a chain saw with the engine running, engage the chain brake.

16.Allow your chain saw to cool before refuelling, and do not smoke.

17.Keep other persons or animals a safe distance away from a running chain saw or the area where a tree is being felled.

18.Use extreme caution when cutting small brush and saplings because slender material can catch the saw chain and be whipped toward you.

19.When cutting a limb that is under tension or compres- sion, be alert for springback.

20.This gas-powered saw is classified according to CAN/ CSA-Z62.1-03 as a Class 1A saw - a professional chain saw, intended for use by trained workers, where the operator is expected to use the chain saw for extended periods of time on a daily basis.

2-4. MORE ABOUT KICKBACK

WARNING

DANGER! BEWARE OF KICKBACK!

Kickback can lead to dangerous loss of control of the chain saw and result in serious or fatal injury to the saw operator or to anyone standing close by. Always be alert. Rotational kickback and pinch-kickback are major chain saw opera- tional dangers and the leading cause of most accidents.

BEWARE OF:

ROTATIONAL KICKBACK (Figure 2-4A)

A = Kickback path

B = Kickback reaction zone

AB

	assembled. Be sure that the saw chain stops moving
	when the power control system trigger is released.
	Never adjust the guide bar or saw chain when the
	engine is operating.
10.	Beware of carbon monoxide poisoning. Operate the
	chain saw in well-ventilated areas only.
11.	Do not attempt a pruning or limbing operation in a
	standing tree unless specifically trained to do so.

A

A

12. Guard against kickback. Kickback is the upward

motion of the guide bar that occurs when the saw

chain, at the nose of the guide bar, contacts an object.

Kickback can lead to dangerous loss of control of the

2-4A

4